Mid-State League....Any Updates???

[htsbuzzfan]

With the creation of the Licking County League the MSL is definitely going to be put into a compromise for keeping together three divisions. Does anyone know if any of these teams have sought to create new divisions or affiliations? Just thought I'd do some speculating of what would be kind of cool to see these teams realign as.

Canal Winchester- Moves into fill OCC void left by Watkins Memorial

MSL METRO
West Jefferson, Bexley, Columbus Academy, Whitehall
Grandview Hts, Harvest Prep, Grove City Christian, Bishop Hartley, Bishop Ready

MSL OHIO

Large School Division
Logan Elm, Hamilton Twp, Teays Valley, Circleville, Amanda C-C

Small School Division
Fairfield Union, Liberty Union, Berne Union, Fisher Catholic, Bloom Carroll, Millersport

[buckeyedan]

Well the CCL isn't breaking up...

I don't imagine the Buckeye will make any changes no any more than they did before...

and of course sports at HP are very much up in the air at the moment

I'd say they add some small schools (GCCS, Fairfield Christian for example) to make a small school division

and I think they will add some of the western schools that were interested last summer: London, JA, MP...

Something like:

New Ohio Division:

Bexley
Whitehall
CA
London
JA
MP
Westfall
West Jefferson

New Cardinal

Millersport
BU
Fisher
Fairfield Christian
GCCS
LU
Grandview
HP or a replacement here (WC?, Rosecrans?)

[hoopscoop]

I would love to see London get back into a central district league and the mid state seems like a great fit, especially with old BAC foes like bexley Whitehall and grandview

[hardscrabble]

Any updates on candidates that are considering applying to the Mid-State League or schools that "the powers that be" might actively seek to fill empty spots? What is the working philosophy for the Mid-State League for the future? Is there interest in retaining membership of the largest schools such as Teays Valley and Canal Winchester? Is there any interest in seeking Logan and Chillicothe as members?

[cwindian]

Take Harvest out of all your equations. They are done.

[Lancer59]

I believe Teays and Hamilton are bigger than CW

fairfield union is bigger than amanda

[green__n_gold76]

Canal has more students than Hamilton, 755 to Hamilton's 678. Teays Valley is much larger with 865.

[radiodavel]

from a very good source of mine...

There was no discussion about new teams at last week’s (MSL) meeting.

I do know that no Licking Co. team in either league has submitted anything
in writing as required by constitutions – even though they have said verbally
that they are leaving.

[gamauter]

I would think that is a mere formality.

[Lancer59]

Thanks Green n gold

[buckeyedan]

I think with the LCL teams that all the i's aren't dotted and t's crossed in that league so why risk it?
and since they aren't starting play for two years in that league they have time for the formal letters

I just think the Buckeye is happy and the remaining teams from the other two leagues are really so up in the air and not knowing which end is up

[george]

I thought there was a window of opportunity to withdraw ... end of May???

If they miss the window they can't withdraw for a couple years.

[buckeyedan]

A) May ain't over
B) they aren't withdrawing for a couple years anyway

[htsbuzzfan]

Mid State League--Ohio
Conference A
Whitehall, Bexley, Columbus Academy, Grandview Heights, Hamilton Township
Conference B
West Jefferson, London, Teays Valley, Logan Elm, Circleville

Mid State League--Cardinal
Millersport, Fairfield Christian, Harvest Prep, Worthington Christian, Grove City Christian, Columbus Crusaders, Miller

Mid State League--Buckeye
Amanda C-C, Fairfield Union, Liberty Union, Berne Union, Fisher Catholic, Bloom Carroll, Logan

[buckeyedan]

FYI - the Columbus Crusaders are a program affiliated with Worthington Christian... basically WC kids and home schooled kids... but organized through WC

[Hank_Hill]

...and not part of the OHSAA

and with Worthington Christian starting football, they are going to take a hit in participation. I'd assume anyway.

[htsbuzzfan]

Oh, thanks for the information, I was not aware of this.

[bogey golfer]

Does not sound like the MSL has a plan. Looks like they are waiting for the music to stop and then see who still is in a chair. The Licking County schools are already gone, Teays Valley and Canal Winchester probably have interest in the OCC. Who knows what Whitehall, Bexley, and Academy are thinking, and Harvest Prep needs booted. Could be down to 12 to 14 teams in a huury.

[full_count]

Does not sound like the MSL has a plan. Looks like they are waiting for the music to stop and then see who still is in a chair. The Licking County schools are already gone, Teays Valley and Canal Winchester probably have interest in the OCC. Who knows what Whitehall, Bexley, and Academy are thinking, and Harvest Prep needs booted. Could be down to 12 to 14 teams in a huury.

Stories I am hearing are the Whitehall & Grandview Heights have expressed an interest in the OCC if they add a second, smaller school division and add Canal, Jonathan Alter and Teays. I doubt the OCC would want Academy since it is a private school that can recruit from their other members. I think it will be interesting to see what Hamilton Township & Bexley does if their Franklin County small public school brethern Whitehall and Grandview do indeed attempt to go to the OCC.

The Mid State League could find itself with just small private schools like Academy and Harvest Prep and the Fairfield & Madison County schools. There could end up being 4 major leagues in Central Ohio (OCC, MOAC, LCL and Columbus City) and several small leagues like the MSL and CCL.

[buckeyedan]

don't see that... Grandview would not fit at all... even in a leauge with those medium size schools...

I don't see any of those schools looking to the OCC frankly... unless they are desperate and on the outside of leagues looking in

and for the OCC it would be adding to add... as none of them fit the current set up
just a very odd marriage that seems better served for eveyrone just adding a team or two to the MSL as there are plenty of medium size schools (JA, London etc) that have expressed interest and PLENTY of small schools as well...

[benschenko]

As a Whitehall graduate it seems odd to me that they would be looking into going back to the OCC after having just left around a decade ago.

[Hank_Hill]

My guess is Whitehall is looking at just about any option at this point. They won't be added to any current division of the OCC....it would have to be a new one.

[george]

5 different threads with over 500 posts and no one knows what is really going on. Let's hope the league officials do.

[benschenko]

I am guessing they are as clueless as the rest of us.

[bogey golfer]

I have heard from two different people at two different school districts that remaining MSL teams will go into 3 six team divisions.

Division 1
Canal Winchester
Teays Valley
Logan Elm
Circleville
Hamilton Township
Whitehall

Division 2
Fairfield Union
Amanda
Bloom Carroll
Liberty Union
Bexley
West Jefferson

Division 3
Berne Union
Fisher Catholic
Millersport
Grandview
Academy
Harvest Prep

Who knows if all of the teams will still be in the league or not but if they are that is what league will look like

[htsbuzzfan]

I think you add Academy to that Division 2, and add Grove City Christian to Division 3 and it would be a good division. Academy would probably win Division 3 conference just about every year I would think. Would be a good split though.

[Squirmydog]

FCA is a natural for the Cardinal as well. I have heard a rumor Millersport may not have the numbers to field a team this year. Can anyone shed some light on this? Also, is Crooksville looking for a new league?

[bman618]

I doubt D2 would be happy with Bexley and D3 would happy with Academy. D3 would have three private schools with three public schools, two of which struggle in almost every sport and the other in most sports.

[bogey golfer]

Bexley in D2 should not be that big of deal I agree about Academy in D3 though

[Hank_Hill]

I hightly doubt Academy and Grandview want to be grouped with those other four. On top of that, Prep is likely in hot water.

I don't know, I think there's going to be some left in the cold in the MSL when it's said and done.

[bogey golfer]

Grandview is already grouped with those other 4 I agree on Academy, but from what I have heard this has already been voted on and is a done deal. Now who knows if teams are still looking, Canal and Teays or will be kicked out Harvest Prep or once realigned if they will look to add new members. With 3 six team divisions getting weeks 4 and 5 scheduled for football will not be easy.

[htsbuzzfan]

Can't believe that would be voted on, not only because of the Academy deal, but the trip from West Jeff to Amanda is a haul, but as far as scheduling non-conference games, these teams can look to the LCL

[benschenko]

West Jeff already goes to Fisher and Berne as is. Amanda is not any worse.

[teach1coach2]

Crooksville is not hunting for a new league, but always willing to listen. The TVC Ohio made a pitch for Crooksville a couple years ago and Crooksville said "no". MSL has shown interest in Crooksville for a small school division. Apparently from posts above, it did not work out.

[irishbullhorn]

Unless Academy has a sudden drop in enrollment don't bet on them agreeing to a move into Division 3. Academy likes where they are. However, if faced with that prospect I would expect Academy to initiate a discussion with Hartley, Ready, Bexley, Grandview, and Worthington Christian to form their own six-team football league.

[htsbuzzfan]

I'd like where I am if I were Academy too, why don't they try and join the CCL?

[buckeyedan]

Grandview is already grouped with those other 4 I agree on Academy, but from what I have heard this has already been voted on and is a done deal. Now who knows if teams are still looking, Canal and Teays or will be kicked out Harvest Prep or once realigned if they will look to add new members. With 3 six team divisions getting weeks 4 and 5 scheduled for football will not be easy.

You heard wrong...
we can argue if anyone would or wouldn't do this but on the "voted on" that's a factual thing...
there was no vote on any change at the spring meeting of the MSL and the Comish even pointed out NO team has informed the league they are leaving yet

Unless Academy has a sudden drop in enrollment don't bet on them agreeing to a move into Division 3. Academy likes where they are. However, if faced with that prospect I would expect Academy to initiate a discussion with Hartley, Ready, Bexley, Grandview, and Worthington Christian to form their own six-team football league.

The CCL isn't breaking up... the Church won't allow that no matter what we think
however... much as WC(was) and CSG(is)... they will talk adding non-catholic schools... CA would be a perfect fit

FWIW WC isn't a good fit for a football league as they don't have football... yea I know they again are saying they will add football... shockingly they did that when looking to join the MBC and then CCL... and now... shockingly it's always "well start in a few years" and shockingly for a small school soccer powerhouse that never happens (and never will)

[bogey golfer]

I may have jumped the gun on voted on the term phrased to me was done deal and I made the assumption of voted on from that. I know that there were MSL award banquets on Tuesday and Wednesday night this week and that there was a meeting after the awards banquet on Wednesday night but have no idea what was on the agenda. If I remember right from earlier realignment conversation a 75% vote in favor is needed for realignment so that means that 14 yes votes gets it done, but I do not know if that ends the shuffling Canal and Teays could be looking to the OCC, Harvest Prep is still a question mark and Academy might not be happy with that alignment. But coaches from 2 different schools did tell me that was how the new divisions were going to look like and it was all based on enrollment numbers not geography

[mstateleague]

The possible leagues are with the respective ADs right now. They are all but finished. It will be three 6 team leagues. They are primarily based on size and proximity.

[letsgolf]

It will be interesting to see if the decision to not expand comes back to bite them if a few teams bolt for the OCC.

[george]

htsbuzzfan ... I am surprised that Heights fan thinks driving 2 hours and putting D VI schools with D IV schools is "better for these teams", when Heights left the MSL because they travel is less in the LCL and they won't be paired with a bunch of D V and VI.

[htsbuzzfan]

Oh, no I realize that the travel is the greatest obstacle, I'm just talking strictly competition, sorry for the confusion. I wouldn't want to travel two hours for a conference game either, especially when there are JV games to be played the next day. I just meant competition wise that Danville and East Knox would be great fits in the MSL if it was not for their geographic location. Sorry for the confusion george.

[natural095]

I am not sure that Canal or Teays are ready for the week to week schedule in the OCC. If they put those teams in with the other smaller schools (BW, NA, Marysville, Mt. Vernon, etc) if would kill the two schools travel wise. If they go with a regional option, these school are in the same area with the likes of Pick C., Pick N., Groveport, Lancaster, Gahanna, and more. I am not sure which option is better? What if a new league was formed that consisted of Canal, Teays, Logan, Whitehall, Chillicothe, Hamilton Twp, Logan Elm, and Circleville? Does that make some sense or not?

[Squirmydog]

I would like to see Crooksville thrive in a league such as the MSL where they would have games against schools their size.

[distressed05]

Natural, what sports do you think Canal and Trays aren't ready for? Even if they got lumped in with the two Pickerington division of the OCC, they would beat Lancaster, Groveport, Gahanna, Newark, and Reynoldsberg in Football. In basketball, Canal is capable of beating everyone but Gahanna. Teays might struggle with the top tier teams, but is capable of beating Lancaster, Groveport, and Reynoldsberg.

[natural095]

Distressed-I agree that Canal could hang with those OCC teams as shown by the football team beating Grove City last year. I played at an OCC school and know that playing those teams week to week is MUCH tougher than playing Fairfield Union one week, and Bloom Carroll the next. I think they are capable of being in that league, but the week to week schedule would be rough. Some of those school have double the enrollment.

[Hank_Hill]

Catching Grove City after a year off of football is one thing, going against the competition week after week is another. Ask New Albany. It's been a process, especially those first two years. I wouldn't take Lancaster so lightly.

[bogey golfer]

Canal would be middle of the pack at best but more likely down toward the bottom of that division. No chance against 2 Pickerington's, Lancaster, and Gahanna. 50/50 with Grove City and Groverport. Favored over Reynoldsburg and a win agains Newark. Like natural said big difference between playing these teams once and playing them every week. Then if your not winning thats when your numbers start to shrink and makes it even tougher. Canal would be better off in a smaller division of the OCC.

[HistoryBuff]

Canal and TV will look at more sports besides football and boys basketball.

I think overall TV would compete very well in most girls sports in the OCC Ohio. Their basketball and softball teams are very strong and usually in the district finals. How great would the basketball & softball league races be with Teays, Gahanna, Grove City and the Pickeringtons!

Teays also has a strong track program. Canal would compete well in baseball and softball.

The question is what about the smaller sports like tennis, golf, cross country? What would the OCC do for sports that Canal and Teays don't have like Swimming, Bowling, Lacrosse, Boys Volleyball?

[gvillefan]

Found this interesting little nugget about the MSL future:

http://www.cleveland.com/newsflash/index.ssf/story/lhs-attends-discussion-meeting-with-mid-state-league/607cd7286f2042c38299a44df64bbca6

[bj439500]

I have heard Canal is probably leaving to go the OCC

Heard CHillicothe is now getting a 2nd look due to the possibility of the OCC raiding the Mid State League for potential expansion.

[hardscrabble]

I have no inside information, so I am just speculating that OCC expansion will take one of three forms. Invite one new member....Canal Winchester. or invite five new schools Canal Winchester, Marion Harding, Teays Valley, Chillicothe and Whitehall or the third possibility would be an invitation sent to seven new schools Canal Winchester, Marion Harding, Teays Valley, Chillicothe, Bexley, Hamilton Township and Whitehall.

[gvillefan]

More intriguing information about what the MSL is considering after the Licking County defections:

http://www.chillicothegazette.com/article/20110629/SPORTS/106290322

[Hank_Hill]

I can't see Logan or Chilli coming into the MSL if Canal/Teays/Hamilton is gone...but I can def. see it coming together if those three stay.

All very interesting.

[bogey golfer]

I have always thought that a league of Canal Winchester, Teays Valley, Hamilton Township, Logan Elm, Circleville, Whitehall, Logan, and Chillicothe would be a good league based on size and location. Interesting that it is 5 teams that would be tough to have 23 teams. I know there has been talk of Millersport leaving on their own or Harvest Prep getting kicked out and obviously Canal and or Teays heading to the OCC but I think if Logan and Chillicothe are invited that Canal and Teays would probably stay but who knows.

[buckeyedan]

there were and are more schools interested so I don't think that would be an issue...

[gvillefan]

The Circleville Herald has a sports story today about Teays Valley and apparently four other MSL schools having an interest in joining the OCC. You can only view the first couple of paragraphs on the web without being a subscriber. Can anyone from that area summarize what the article says?

[bogey golfer]

According to the article 23 teams 2-8 team divisions and 1-7 team division based on enrollment. If it goes through I would assume division would look like this.

Division 1
Logan 478 435
Teays Valley 430 422
Canal Winchester 409 406
Hamilton Township 353 344
Chillicothe 339 367
Whitehall 306 300
Logan Elm 269 285
Circleville 279 267

Division 2
Fairfield Union 268 249
Bexley 254 248
Amanda Clearcreek 200 212
Bloom Carroll 201 203
West Jefferson 169 142
Liberty Union 158 158
Academy 141 128
Grandview 136 123

Division 3
Berne Union 140 95
Worthington Christian 126 114
Fisher Catholic 88 102
Harvest Prep 83 72
Millersport 80 73
Grove City Christian 70 84
Fairfiel Christian Academy 71 73


Grandview could really slide into either division but I assume would want into division 2 but that is just a guess.

[bogey golfer]

I think Teays Valley and Canal Winchester have the toughes decisions, for Teays do you leave the other 2 Pickaway County School for a league that would really not be any better than the one your in now but the new league will give you better options if you continue to grow. Canal really has the same decision new league would not be any better than current league but if you continue to grow maybe you can slide in with the Pickerington's and Lancaster in the future.

[hardscrabble]

With the Mid-State working proactively now on a plan for three divisions based on enrollment that will give Canal Winchester, Teays Valley, Hamilton Township, Bexley, Whitehall, Chillicothe and Logan a great league in which to compete the future. The OCC officials will avoid adding all of these one high school districts so Canal winchester and Teays Valley will not have a decision to make. The OCC will extend an invitation to Maion Harding to join the OCC and replace Watkins Memorial. Its a great fit for the Capital Division and a real solution for Marion Harding.

[bman618]

London and Plains are slated to vote tonight. If all five schools accept their invitations, this is the MSL, starting in 2013-14

Buckeye - Amanda, Bloom-Carroll, Circleville, Fairfield Union, Hamilton Township, Liberty Union, Logan Elm, Teays Valley
Ohio - London, Madison-Plains, West Jeff, Bexley, Cols. Academy, Whitehall, Grandview, Worthington Christian (has varsity football starting in 2014)
Cardinal - Harvest Prep, Fairfield Christian, Grove City Christian, Fisher Catholic, Millersport, Berne Union

[hoopscoop]

London voted 5-0 to join the MSL. Madison Plains decided to table the vote and will meet again January 17. This is according to the Madison Press website.

[Hank_Hill]

Well MP tabling the vote ought to really Rick the MSL off....I am pretty sure they are ready to move forward after all this time. As I have said before - this Ohio division is too hodge podge to last and MP doing this supports that.

[hoopscoop]

I doubt if it ever happens but does the MSL move off of MP and quickly try to get a Jon. Alder or Fairbanks, I am sure they would favor MSL over MOAC based on alignments, especially Fairbanks

[hoopscoop]

According to the Madison Press site, Madison Plains accepted the MSL invite this evening

[Hank_Hill]

I can't wait for Academy and Worthington Christian to start making that trip out to Madison Plains....I was out that way yesterday and it is a HAUL from northern Columbus - and that was on a Sunday with no traffic.